Eduardo Rodriguez to potentially return next week against Guardians

Feb 27, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time since signing a four-year, $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks last December, there is genuine hope that Eduardo Rodriguez could join Arizona’s rotation within the next couple of weeks.

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Before the Diamondbacks’ series opener against the Nationals on Monday, manager Torey Lovullo shared encouraging news, stating that Rodriguez will pitch four innings during a simulated game on Wednesday. Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of AZCentral that if the sim game goes well, Rodriguez could be an option to pitch next week against the Guardians.

Rodriguez spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded 64 wins, struck out over 1,100 batters, and had an ERA of 4.16. He also won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018, serving as a crucial piece out of their bullpen for most of the postseason run.

After his tenure with the Red Sox, Rodriguez played with the Tigers for the past two seasons. In 2023, he went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA.

Rodriguez’s potential return to the Diamondbacks’ rotation next week is promising news for a team that has been severely hampered by injuries all season. Recently, they welcomed Jordan Montgomery back into the rotation after he spent time on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation. In his first start back, Montgomery pitched five solid innings, allowing just one run and leading the Diamondbacks to a win over the Royals.

In addition to Rodriguez’s simulated game on Wednesday, Merrill Kelly will also be participating, pitching three innings or up to 50 pitches. Kelly has been out of the Diamondbacks’ rotation since April 15th. Before his injury, he was arguably the team’s strongest arm, recording a 2.19 ERA across four starts, each lasting five innings or more.

While the Diamondbacks are just half a game behind a Wild Card spot in the National League, they possess one of the worst team ERAs in baseball. Only four other teams—the Blue Jays, Angels, White Sox, and Rockies—have fared worse this season. This is quite a surprise, especially considering that many predicted the Diamondbacks would have one of the best rotations in the National League entering their 2024 campaign.